Hobbs, New Mexico, officers responded to the 2100 block of North Rojo early Friday morning on a report of a break-in, police said. saidHobbs is located about two miles west of the Texas state line and just under two hours southwest of Lubbock.
Upon arriving on scene, officers determined that 38-year-old Curtis Thames of Hobbs had illegally entered the residence.
The police department's news release about the incident did not state the cause of Thames' mother's death.
Police said the homeowners, armed with guns, barricaded themselves in a bedroom before one of them opened fire through the bedroom door, striking Thames, who later died at a local hospital.
Police also learned Thames' mother, Christy Thames, lived next door. Officers attempted to contact Thames' mother but were unsuccessful, police said.
Police said officers entered the home to check on her and found her body in a bedroom. A police statement about the incident did not say how Thames' mother died.
Police urge anyone with information about the incident to call dispatch at 575-397-9265 or Lee County Crime Stoppers at 575-393-8005. Callers may be eligible for a cash reward, police said, adding that individuals can also message them privately on Facebook.
How are people responding?
The police department's Facebook post about the incident generated a variety of comments, some of which are listed below.
- “This is Second Amendment grounds,” one commenter said. said.
- “My prayers go out to those who had to make a decision … one they probably never want to make “Thank you to the officers and other emergency personnel involved in this incident, as well as the family and friends of those whose lives will be affected forever,” another user said. Written.
- “I hope the prosecutor doesn't charge the homeowner with manslaughter in self-defense,” another commenter said. Expressed an opinion“She's known for prosecuting innocent people who acted in self-defense.”
- “Nice job, homeowner!” another user Declared“It was the last thing they wanted to do, but they were protecting their property and their families.”
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